The original Birthday was on The White Album and is a great tune. The first British TV transmission of The Girl Can’t Help It on the 18th September 1968 prompted The Beatles to arrange the recording session for Birthday, so they could slip out partway through in order to watch it, according to Ian McDonald’s Revolution in the Head. McCartney wrote Birthday on the spot in honour of the star of the film, Little Richard.

The song was recorded almost as quickly by Weller – in 24 hours at his Black Barn Studios this year.

Speaking about the release, Paul Weller said: “I wanted to do something for Paul’s 70th, the man’s been, and still is, an immense and enduring inspiration for me. It was him and his three friends that made me want to pick up a guitar in the first place.

“I saw him play live recently and he inspired me just as much as ever, he was brilliant. I just hope he likes our little version, a token of my and the bands love for him and his music. Rock on Macca.”

I would second that: I have seen Paul McCartney three times – including at the O2 Arena last year (as you can see from another top quality EveryRecord picture below) and every show was incredible. I can only hope I have his energy when I’m his age…Many Happy Returns Sir Paul!